“Max Kerman's Try Hard is the book I wish I had when I was starting out in my career. It answers all of the questions I wish I could have asked my favourite musicians about how this whole music thing works. I was making music for ten years before my first major record and have constantly been faced with the challenge of turning every 'no' into an opportunity to push forward. It doesn't matter where you are in your creative pursuits, the challenge remains the same: how do you keep going and, most importantly, how do you keep it fun, fresh, and exciting? Max offers a hilarious, relatable, and incredibly insightful perspective on his life, his music career, and his creative process, and explores how you can take control of your own creative journey and start turning your dreams into reality.” —Michael Bublé, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter

“Try Hard is a sharp, sincere guide to forging a life in the arts—a playbook for any kind of creative looking for a spark. With effortless charm and rare candor, Max Kerman hammers out a refreshingly honest book about his journey from ambitious college kid to fearless frontman of Arkells, excavating the ups and downs of a career in music with grace and humility most in his position have long since lost. He may be a 'try hard,' but it takes real hustle to win in this world and he’s written a guide for how you can too.” —Tegan Quin, of multiplatinum duo Tegan and Sara and bestselling co-author of High School

“Try Hard is an intricate look at what makes Max Kerman tick. There are many lessons to be learned from his book, but learning lessons doesn't sound fun enough when you’re talking about Max. Everything he does involves passion and a damn good time. Try Hard is for musicians and their fans, entrepreneurs and their teams, educators and their students. Max weaves hard work, creativity, and leadership into his book seamlessly, while bringing people together and strengthening the community around him.” —Nick Nurse, head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and NBA Champion

“I like Max. He’s a beautifully kind person. Storytelling isn’t that hard if you’re honest with yourself. This book shines with honesty and sheds light on how to do life your way. I’m proud of people that build their own worlds and celebrate the true success that comes when you create a path and stick to it. This book is another path that Max has written. Take a walk with my buddy.” —Matty Matheson, world renowned chef and #1 bestselling author of Soups, Salads, Sandwiches

“What Max Kerman offers in Try Hard is a full-throated defense of showing up as yourself, finding your people, and letting good things happen to you. This is an open-hearted book, a tender account of holding on to your sincerity while trying to make your own luck. There is a careful balance here: yes, it's true that you never know if it's going to work out—but it's even more true that it certainly won't work out unless you try, and try hard. Max has a keen understanding of how to bring a hungry heart to the table, and how to make it work for you.” —Elamin Abdelmahmoud, culture writer and bestselling author of Son of Elsewhere

“Try Hard is a generous book about creativity in all its forms. Max Kerman guides the reader with a light touch and a sense of humour through every aspect of his musical process and history. From club shows to arenas, and from basement demos to major albums, he gives practical advice and demystifies the process at every stage. Every reader, from beginner to seasoned pro, can learn something from his clear-eyed advice. This book reminded me of the difference between ambition and passion, between luck and dedication, and so much more. It made me want to write a new song, to plan a new venture, to try harder. A wonderful read.” —Frank Turner, multiplatinum singer-songwriter

“Creatives of all stripes will be invigorated.” —Publishers Weekly

“Arkells frontman Max Kerman doesn’t see himself as a rock star. Instead, as he writes in his new book, Try Hard, he’s just a guy with a few skills and the will to keep refining them. It’s the kind of down-to-earth humility that pervades his memoir on work, writing and music.” —Toronto Life

“Try Hard has the contours of a music memoir only in the sense that Kerman employs personal examples to show how he managed to make a career making songs. He recounts Arkells’ rise through the lens of his relentless determination to build a life around a band, but also acknowledges the tumbles along the way. Creativity, as he describes it, is the art of the possible.” —The Globe and Mail

“Kerman offers an inside look into life in a band and breaks down the nuts and bolts of building a music career. . . . [Try Hard] dives into the often-overlooked effort behind a musical career—from songwriting and show prep to the business of marketing a band. Part memoir, part self-help book, it breaks down the creative process—and reveals that trying hard is often the secret to success.” —CBC’s The Next Chapter

“Inspiring and important. . . . It’s honest, it’s funny, it’s full of that optimism that somehow makes you want to, indeed, try hard.” –Jann Arden on The Jann Arden Podcast